Editorial: Reminder: Golf carts are vehicles

Byline2:

Savannah

We all see golf carts in our neighborhoods and even in parking lots at local eating establishments and retailers.

With recent changes to the state’s golf cart laws, golf cart owners may drive them further than before. That doesn’t mean owners, drivers and rides should not use their heads and practice safety first.

The new law that went into effect Oct. 1 allows registered golf cart users to take the carts four miles from their residence or gate.

The change in the law does not mean golf carts can go along U.S. 278, S.C. 170 or S.C. 46. If you see golf carts on these roads, they are technically breaking the law.

We don’t think the Bluffton Police Department or Beaufort County Sheriff’s Office should spend an inordinate amount of time chasing the golf carts down, but we do expect the laws restricting them to be followed.

Beaufort and Jasper County has about 6,232 registered golf carts. Sun City Hilton Head takes honors by having more than 3,300 registered to residents of that community.

Some people are using golf carts more and more as their main mode of transportation because it is more cost efficient and convenient. We understand that and even encourage that mindset as long as it is safe and follows the law.

Bluffton State Rep. Bill Herbkersman worked to make it so golf cart owners can go to the Department of Motor Vehicles to register the carts and obtain a decal — which requires proof of ownership and insurance — for $5.

All golf carts must be registered with the state. Drivers have to be licensed and insured. None of this is rocket science. But as the number of golf carts in our community increases, so does the ri sk for mishaps. Driving the speed limit is another key element. The law calls for travel on secondary roads with speed limits no higher than 35 mph.

Even though the law prohibits golf carts from driving on U.S. 278 or S.C. 170, owners can cross a highway or street at an instersection with a posted speed limit above 35 mph.

The changes in the law are good changes in our opinion. Golf cart owners and operators still must remember that golf carts are considered vehicles and should abide by the rules of the road.

Herbkersman worked closely with a group from Sun City before introducing changes to the law. He also said he plans to sponsor a bill that would allow night-time driving. He said in the Oct. 3 edition of Bluffton Today that the new law will have a big impact for Sun City because those people can now go greater distances outside of that gate.

We suggest we take things slowly and ensure everyone realizes that even at a slow speed, incidents can happen and people can and do get hurt when riding or driving a golf cart.